1.31.2018

One of my goals for this year is to focus on making my health a priority instead of treating it like an afterthought. And when I say health, I'm not just talking in broad terms. I have very specific targets in mind, some of which include mental health and an interest in spiritual health as well. It's not just about losing a few extra pounds. although let's face it, that's certainly a reason too!

We always begin the new year with the best of intentions, but most "diets" aren't sustainable and that defeats the whole purpose, doesn't it? Besides, losing weight is great and all but what about other aspects of well-being? We tend to associate fitness with good health, but I know plenty of people who lead active lifestyles and are completely miserable in other areas of their lives.

As I write this, I'm nursing a cold I've had for what feels like the better portion of January. so this post feels timely. If you don't have health (physical, mental, emotional) than everything else seems to suffer.

1. To start, I'm doing physical activity three times a week - Two days in the gym, one at a yoga studio. You have to know what works for you. For me, I got lazy and easily distracted when I tried working out at home. I gain energy from the people around me, so paying $12 a month for my gym membership is more motivating. I know for others, working out in the privacy of their own home is best. Figure out what works for you!

2. I stopped going to therapy for the latter part of last year and it was a bad move. Of course I didn't want to admit that. When you've been going for a long time like I have, you tend to hit a wall where things just aren't clicking. I love my therapist, but I got to a point where I wasn't being fully receptive and I was just telling her what I thought she wanted to hear. What the Hell is the point of that?! I'm paying this person and I'm not even listening? It took a few months to realize I needed to go back and I needed to BE HONEST with her.

3. I'm drinking more water.

4. I've been watching less t.v. and listening to more music and podcasts that help to relax me.

5. This one is proving to be tough, but I'm checking social media less and focusing more on this blog, my copy editing classes, and planning for future employment. In fact, I have a job interview tomorrow. Wish me luck!

6. I've created a pinterest board full of quotes that I've been checking every morning before I start my day. It sets the tone. I like this one: "Your attitude determines your altitude."

7. I'm asking for help when I need it. A simple conversation with a friend can change your entire perspective.

8. Instead of putting things off "until tomorrow" I am doing them today. Not tomorrow, not next week, but TODAY. All we have is today.

9. I have high blood pressure, so I'm eating food that helps combat that. Think lots of leafy greens! Luckily, I like vegetables and have grown to see food as nourishment. I indulge when I can, but having elevated blood pressure is no joke so I have to be mindful. This includes alcohol too.

I'm not perfect, and I know there'll be times when I fall short. As long as I'm making a conscious effort, there's no reason why I can't achieve these goals though.

What do you do to put your well-being first? I'd love to hear about them in the comments!

6 comments:

I’m trying to do numbers 4 and 5 on your list as well and also got myself back in therapy right at the first of the year. Also, I had high cholesterol at my check up last year so I can totally relate to what you say in number nine. One of my biggest “challenges” in life is coping with feelings of loneliness and few strong social bonds because I don’t have overtly strong family connections or a social network of people who are always capable of supporting my needs. I love my friends but they’re all married with kids which makes them unavailable a lot of the time. That’s something I really want to work on this year but meeting people requires work and effort as well as putting myself in some uncomfortable situations the hope ultimately being that taking those risks ends up being worth it. I wish you the best on your health and wellness journey and look forward to hearing about your progress! Also, I’m going to yoga tonight!

This is such a great post, Noelle! (And before I forget to say it, good luck on your job interview tomorrow!) I really love some of your tips here. I think the Pinterest motivation board idea is brilliant and a great way to start the day. I also couldn't agree more about limiting time on social media. It's been studied that the more time we spend there the unhappier we become. I'm working on that reducing that time this year for sure. Thanks for this update and all of these very practical ideas!Gina || On the Daily Express

Putting health first is a good mindset. Small things like drinking more water are great, simple goals that even if you didn't manage anything else, you can at least drink another glass of water. Does that seem silly? I have yet to find the motivation to get to the gym more than once a week, and my 12 minute workout video I was going to do in the living room has long since been abandoned. My therapist broke up with me when I said I didn't want to take medication and the new one I tried after was too much money, so I haven't been seeing anyone and get overwhelmed at the idea of trying to find someone new. Therapy to try and find a therapist?

I hope that you are able to make these changes and see them as becoming part of your lifestyle, because you are right about diets never working, as they are only a temporary thing.

Girl you are speaking to my heart. I am starting to try to have all my hobbies be "off screen" and also to wake up and drink more water. I've noticed that when I do that I am so much happier! Also, I am not an advocate for ignoring news, but seriously sometimes taking a break from the news also totally helps me feel mentally more sound!

I really enjoyed reading these Noelle. Wellness goes beyond just physical fitness for sure. I'm so excited for you for sticking to your goal <3

I've been good at physical fitness as it has been part of who I am since I had Sofia. I have neglected my mental health though. I haven't been to my therapist in a long time and my anxiety is off the roof. I'm taking baby steps back though. I got thus app called Woebot on my phone that does CBT and hoping to get frack time therapy again soon.

Hope your cold goes away soon too. Here in Ottawa we've been joking that we're going through the winter of "200 day colds".